Rumored MLB Trade Deadline target likely isn't an option for Cubs this offseason

Shortly after the Chicago Cubs traded for All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes ahead of the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline, rumors emerged that the Cubs were among the teams to check in on the availability of Blake Snell.

At the time, the Cubs' rumored interest in Snell did not align with what the front office had set as the goals for the deadline. Given the likelihood of Snell opting out of his current contract with the San Francisco Giants at the end of the season, the former Cy Young Award winner would have been considered a rental for any team that acquired him.

The Giants decided to hold onto Snell at the deadline, and a recent no-hitter has only added the incentive for the starting pitcher to once again test free agency this winter. Snell holds a 3.76 ERA on the season but once you get past his struggles to open the season, the veteran starting pitchers holds a 2.45 ERA, 2.58 FIP, in his 12 starts since May 1.

Snell is going to be near the top of the free-agent class for starting pitchers this winter and speculation regarding his next team has already started.

The Cubs are not among the listed teams that Bleacher Report speculated to be in on Snell this offseason.

Blake Snell likely isn't a realistic target for the Cubs.

With the Cubs expected to have the same spending strategy this offseason that they had over the last two years, there isn't a scenario where the team has any valid interest in Snell. The Cubs don't have a clear need in the starting rotation but even if the goal was to add another starter this offseason, their target should be set at Corbin Burnes instead of Snell.

The Cubs, for better or worse, will be intelligent with their spending this offseason and Snell likely does not fall within that model. In a similar sense, the Cubs shouldn't feel pressure to invest heavily in the starting rotation given what is already lined up for 2025 and the healthy returns of Jordan Wicks, Cade Horton, and Ben Brown.